Naked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from the Data

From batting averages and political polls to game shows and medical research, the real-world application of statistics continues to grow by leaps and bounds. How can we catch schools that cheat on standardized tests? How does Netflix know which movies you'll like? What is causing the rising incidence of autism? As best-selling author Charles Wheelan shows us in Naked Statistics, the right data and a few well-chosen statistical tools can help us answer these questions and more.

The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution

Virtually all human societies were once organized tribally, yet over time most developed new political institutions which included a central state that could keep the peace and uniform laws that applied to all citizens. Some went on to create governments that were accountable to their constituents. We take these institutions for granted, but they are absent or are unable to perform in many of today’s developing countries—with often disastrous consequences for the rest of the world.

It has some good aspects, but overall its not what I thought it would be. The book is very asia-centric and not always chronological. I understand that he was showing the growth of political systems and so each region developed at different paces, leading the author to jump around from continents and time periods in an almost hodgepodge. I wouldn't recommend this book and believe it is being heavily over-hyped in editor's reviews.

What was most disappointing about Francis Fukuyama’s story?

I'm personally more interested in western development and political theory. As stated, this is very asia-centric- Even when he finally did make it to western political movements, they are presented briefly toward the closing chapters and the author keeps trying to show parallels with chinese and other eastern countries patriarchal politics.

Which scene was your favorite?

snooze

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

If it was on tv.

Any additional comments?

I'll still probably listen to the second volume. As this book really is all build-up before the author draws his conclusions. So i made it this far, i guess i'll see if it was all worth it after the next one.

The Richest Man in Babylon

A modern day classic, The Richest Man in Babylon dispenses financial advice through a collection of parables set in ancient Babylon. These famous "Babylonian parables" offer an understanding of - and solution to - a lifetime's worth of personal financial problems, and hold the secrets to acquiring money, keeping money, and earning more money.

I would listen to segments of it again, sure. But it's really something you only need o read once to get the concept and implement it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Richest Man in Babylon?

The main point and thus most memorable concept in the book is that you spend all your time working and paying the baker, the buther, the shopkeeper, the shoe maker.. but you never set any money aside to pay yourself and that you should. It suggests taking 10% of your total earnings and paying it to yourself. Keeping it and adding to it- not spending it for anything but investments that will multiply. Small safe bets are always preferred over a risky endeavor when it comes to what types of investments you should allow yourself to make with your nest-egg.

Which character – as performed by Grover Gardner – was your favorite?

The first two stories were more than sufficient to get the point across, the rest are optional but reinforce the principles set out in the first two stories.

What did you learn from The Richest Man in Babylon that you would use in your daily life?

Mysteries of Modern Physics: Time

Time rules our lives, woven into the very fabric of the universe-from the rising and setting of the sun to the cycles of nature, the thought processes in our brains, and the biorhythms in our day. Nothing so pervades our existence and yet is so difficult to explain. But now, in a series of 24 riveting lectures, you can grasp exactly why - as you take a mind-expanding journey through the past, present, and future, guided by a noted author and scientist.

Would you consider the audio edition of Mysteries of Modern Physics: Time to be better than the print version?

I dont think there is a print version- but if there is, definitely. The highly technical language is absolutely more easily understood through the presenter.

What other book might you compare Mysteries of Modern Physics: Time to and why?

As far as the great courses go, this is one of the best ones i've listened to.

Have you listened to any of Professor Sean Carroll’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not heard the professor's other works but i would certainly listen to him again.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I listen to a lot of courses from the teaching company, and this was by far the most challenging to follow. The really hard stuff comes towards the end, but it remained enjoyable throughout. really complex physics, a great crash-course in the field.

Any additional comments?

I think i understand time less now than i did before. i might have to give it a second listen.

Ethics Volume Five: Business Ethics, Volume 5

Ethics Vol V talks about business philosophy and how business ethics affect every sector of our society. After the 2008 prime mortgage collapse the business sector must investigate how could this happen, and how could it affect the global market.

Anyone taking a business in society, or intro to ethics course, or even just general human resources management courses would do well giving this a listen. it is info-packed. tons of keywords, themes, and history of ethics applied to business.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

its dry. but its everything you want with little commentary.

What about Jaicie Kirkpatrick’s performance did you like?

She did great. Its tough to read this subject matter and not turn into a monotone robot. she does very well to keep you engaged in otherwise watching paint dry-boring stuff.

Any additional comments?

for the price. its worth it as a refresher or course supplement definitely.

War Is a Racket

A report on how the greed of a privileged few, subsidized by public funding, creates substantial profits for themselves from mass human suffering.This was a speech given by General Butler during a nationwide tour in the early 1930's, but it applies even more today! Listen as he frankly discusses, from his experience as a career military officer, how business interests commercially benefit from warfare. He then suggests several practical solutions for reducing the pillage.

The Art of Nonfiction

Rand takes listeners step by step through the writing process, providing insightful observations and invaluable techniques along the way. She discusses the psychological aspects of writing and the roles played by the conscious and subconscious mind. She talks about articles and books, explaining how to select a subject and theme, how to identify your audience, and how to write the first draft.

For the New Intellectual

This is Ayn Rand's challenge to the prevalent philosophical doctrines of our time and the "atmosphere of guilt, of panic, of despair, of boredom, and of all-pervasive evasion" that they create. One of the most controversial figures on the intellectual scene, Ayn Rand was the proponent of a moral philosophy, an ethic of rational self-interest, that stands in sharp opposition to the ethics of altruism and self-sacrifice.

New material. This book starts with an original essay and introduction- however the remainder of the book is large passages from her earlier works and novels. If you are familiar with these already and are looking for something new on objectivism this isn't it.

What could Ayn Rand have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

New content.

What does Anna Fields bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Good choice for rand's voice.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Good narrator and solid intro.. if you're unfamiliar with her works, i feel like this might contain too many spoilers, if you are familiar with her work there is nothing new here.

Any additional comments?

In either case, pass on this audiobook. If you want to read the new content, buy a used copy or sit in a library for an hour. I guess it could be good for highlighting if you dont want to taint your physical copies of the original works.

Strategic Vision: America and the Crisis of Global Power

In 1991, the United States was the only global superpower. It seemed that the 21st century, like the 20th, would belong to America. Then came the stock market bubble, the costly foreign unilateralism of the younger Bush presidency, and the financial catastrophe of 2008. Meanwhile, China was rising and the Middle East was awakening politically. Today it is clear that America is vulnerable - to domestic and international decline and unregulated greed.

What did you like best about Strategic Vision? What did you like least?

It has some interesting notions and concepts regarding possible future hostilities between nations and resources.

Did Grover Gardner do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

There is only one character- its a narrative of Zbigniew himself.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No. it would be ripe with propoganda.

Any additional comments?

I didnt gain any real useful information from this book. It did have some interesting commentary on historical tension and where america is likely to find itself in the future if it does not focus its attention at strategically positioning itself for continued dominance or the possibility of subservience to a growing Chinese economy.

Patriots: A Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse

America faces a full-scale socioeconomic collapse in the near future. The stock market plummets, hyperinflation cripples commerce and the mounting crisis passes the tipping point. Practically overnight, the fragile chains of supply and high-technology infrastructure fall, and wholesale rioting and looting grip every major city.

Yes, i might, it has TONS of useful information and tips in actual survival situations involving a societal collapse.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I like TK best.

What about Dick Hill’s performance did you like?

Great for this type of book, he performed shootout/action scenes like a true professional, adding suspense and rapidity to his voice. it was a pleasure to listen to. very engrossing.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and no. one its long, so that would be absurd, but the story flows well enough that it could keep your attention probably the entire time.

Any additional comments?

This book is perfect for what it was intended to be. The applaud the author, it has all the right buzz words and references that people of the liberty/constitutional movement will appreciate and relate too. almost like inside jokes, the author does a brilliant job of marrying practical knowledge, fanatical patriot themes, and a thoroughly enjoyable story. With plot twists and character development, fantastic action scenes and a wealth of practical knowledge this book is A+ it's everything it should be and the writer should be extremely proud of it. check this out if you enjoy subjects of economics, survival, weaponry, tactics, sovereignty, liberty, patriotism, objectivity, constitutionalism, conservatism .. you will love it.

The Pursuit of God

During a train trip from Chicago to Texas in the late 1940s, A.W. Tozer began to write The Pursuit of God. He wrote all night, and when the train arrived at his destination, the rough draft was done. The depth of this book has made it an enduring favorite.

I enjoyed it, or elements of it. Its certainly preachy tho- if you're not down with god, you probably wont like any of this.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked its spirit.

Which scene was your favorite?

It was all very uplifting.

Do you think The Pursuit of God needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No.

Any additional comments?

I did think the author put too much emphasis on surrendering yourself to god and holds little value in building for yourself here on earth, in a physical sense. but does a good job conveying a critical point of worship. the active pursuit of god. its good to remind yourself that god can be accessible to you, personally. overall a good work. started to lose my attention toward the end as it gets a little preachy, but that might be your thing. check it out if you're a christian looking for some inspiration or to renew your relationship with christ.

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